Libertyville Private Residence

Nestled within a tranquil flat woods landscape, this private residence was designed to blend with the surrounding environment. Building off the clients’ embrace of the natural setting and by utilizing a light touch that protected the site’s wetlands, streams and flood plain, features like the fire ring, custom bridge, and stone patio were carefully located to minimize impacts on the existing landscape. By creating functional spaces for entertaining, the owners have fostered meaningful connections to the surrounding open space that was otherwise inaccessible.

The custom construction of the home and site allowed for the integration of Living Habitats’ metal and stonework detailing on gates, railings, trellises, walls, seating and paving. These hardscape features offer important counter points to the surrounding restored flat woods, communicating that the naturalized native plantings are intended as they embrace the homesite. These site-forward project priorities folded into the sensibilities of the architecture, culminating with the building integrating several of the site hardscape details and materials.

Construction of the grounds proceeded in a measured way over several years before and after the home construction, starting in 2009 as Living Habitats facilitated the wetland delineation and permit application for Lake County. The site had become terribly degraded; choked with Buckthorn and other invasive species. Tributaries running through the site had eroded shorelines and downcutting. Most of the remnant vegetation had been shaded out, leaving exposed soils. Our detailed planting plans responded to the restoration work needed and employed native species even up and around the new home.

We continue to advise on stewardship of the property in efforts to perpetuate a functional and healthy natural environment that also carries forward the beauty of the original planting design while prioritizing important flood storage and tributary shoreline stability.

 

Location:
Libertyville, Illinois

Date:
2009 – Present